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Adolescent hypoglycaemia — DipIMC MCQ

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HardPaediatric and Obstetric EmergenciesAdolescent hypoglycaemiaDipIMC

A 13-year-old weighing 45 kg has diabetes, glucose 2.1 mmol/L and reduced consciousness. He cannot swallow safely and IV access is not immediately available. Which rescue treatment is appropriate while airway care continues?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Give glucagon 1 mg by IM injection

The best answer is “Give glucagon 1 mg by IM injection”. Severe hypoglycaemia with unsafe swallowing requires a parenteral rescue treatment. The UK glucagon product information uses 1 mg for adults and children above 25 kg or older than six to eight years. Recovery must be followed by oral carbohydrate when swallowing is safe and continued observation. Insulin worsens hypoglycaemia, and placing tablets in the mouth risks aspiration.

Reference: GlucaGen HypoKit Summary of Product Characteristics: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1289/smpc